Hampshire has had another exciting year in 2026, with an array of large-scale events and festivals taking place but the year is not over yet. Home to a host of family fun events, and special anniversaries, you're sure to find plenty of exciting events to give you a reason to include Hampshire in your holiday plans. Look out for an array of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austens birth whilst you discover the place she was born, lived and wrote six of her novels #JaneAusten250.
To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list below or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break.
If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.
>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation
The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island.
Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county. The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Number of results: 153
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Children's Carnival Day on the Isle of Wight Join Ryde Carnival for some free family fun as we celebrate Children's Carnival Day. Lots of activities and entertainment will take place in different locations around Ryde town centre.
Family…
Festival
Ryde
Steampunk Festival fun on the Isle of Wight Join us to find out what all the excitement is about for the biggest and best Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival 2026 in Ryde. There will be two full days of splendidness between the 18 and 20 September!…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Porsche on Sunday 31 May 2026.
All Porsche owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.
Held in association…
Heritage & History
Ventnor
Dickens House Party Weekend on the Isle of Wight Celebrate Charles Dickens at The Royal Hotel's Dickens House Party Weekend taking place from 27 February 2026 to 1 March 2026.
The weekend will celebrate Charles Dickens' works and strong ties…
General event
Southampton
Shieldhall Southampton Docks Cruise to mark Heritage Open Days, at a very special price of £19.55 per adult ticket, reflecting the date of launch of Steamship Shieldhall! Pass the four cruise ships Arvia, Borealis, Mein Schiff 2 and Norwegian Star…
Carnival
Ryde
Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…
Competition / Game
Ryde
Isle of Wight Chess Masters 2026 Chess takes centre stage on the Isle of Wight between the 16 - 22 February 2026 when the Wightlink Isle of Wight Chess Tournament takes place in Ryde.
Elite chess players With over 30 chess masters taking…
Childrens Events
Farnham
Hop to Birdworld this Easter for an egg-citing hunt! Explore the Park, discover hidden eggs, and collect letters at each stop to spell a secret word. Solve the puzzle and claim a delicious chocolate treat.
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of National Mini Day on Sunday 14 June 2026.
Join the Mini Cooper Register for National Mini Day, as one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Mini calendar returns to Beaulieu.
National Mini Day…
Concert
Newport
The Ibiza Orchestra Experience: The Final Encore This incredible 26 piece orchestra will be performing some of the greatest hits from the famous white isle, for the very last time!
Expect an unforgettable night featuring:
26 piece…
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Weyhill
This spring, venture out into the night with the beautiful owls at the Hawk Conservancy Trust. Experience the mystical owls' graceful, silent flights in and out of the darkness in two enthralling flying displays.
Before the flying displays, there…
Arts
Southampton
About the Event
Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece
Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.
Each artist…
Run / Rally
New Forest
We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.
Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.
Childrens Events
New Forest
Join us between 14 – 22 February 2026 and step back in time as history comes to life across the attraction with exciting historical hands-on activities!
Explore and follow the card-collecting trail to discover living history that needs your help…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Carnival
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!
Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…
General event
Southampton
See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks and Hengistbury Head, before sailing to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. We will later return to our…